The Eternal Struggle http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/ Copyright 2005 Tue, 16 Nov 2004 20:46:05 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.121 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Migraine Headaches My teeth are waking me up at 5:30 in the morning, every morning. I think that may be why I'm having migraines. About 1 a day, that usually subsides after sleep. My blood sugar is acting up again, probably due to some infection.

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/11/migraine_headaches.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/11/migraine_headaches.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 20:46:05 -0800 Can't wait for Christmas! It is getting to that time again, and I'm so excited! When I was living in California, so far away from my family it was hard at this time of year. I knew I couldn't afford to go home for Christmas, so I pretended Christmas didn't exist. Now that I'm 20 miles away from my family I can't wait for Christmas! I feel like I've been waiting for 6 years for this Christmas to come. I know my family isn't ideal, and sometimes they're really terrible to me, but they're all I have. Christmastime is when the whole family just forgets that we don't get along, and we just have fun. I can't wait to start decorating the house. On the medical front, I'm having problems with my teeth again. It wakes me up at night. I can't go very long without having advil on board, they hurt so bad. I have to get something done about it soon. With no insurance, things are a lot tougher though. I worry about getting an infection that will make my blood sugar rise. My blood sugar has been behaving lately, and I'm so glad for that. I still have the ear infection, and have had blood coming out of my ear lately. It is scary, because the infection is in my right ear, my good ear. I've been on knitting overload trying to get presents done before Christmas, so my shoulders are pretty sore. I have a knitting blog, if you want to see it, it is at http://knittnchick.blogspot.com.

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/11/cant_wait_for_christmas.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/11/cant_wait_for_christmas.html Sat, 06 Nov 2004 13:23:21 -0800 Ear Infection I'm still having a hard time with my broken tailbone, but it is getting better. I've caught some kind of bug, probably bronchitis at this point. I'm geting lots of sleep and drinking plenty of liquids. Pretty much all I can do for now. I'm getting an ear infection, which is always scary, given the fact that any one of them can take my hearing forever. My blood sugar has been pretty good, only a few problems, and minor at that. I am knitting more now, so I am keeping my time occupied pretty well.

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/11/ear_infection.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/11/ear_infection.html Mon, 01 Nov 2004 17:14:43 -0800 Broken Tailbone Since Mt. St. Helens started acting up I've been very busy, I apologize for not writing sooner. I am about 70 miles south/southwest of the volcano, but no matter what she does, the greatest danger to me is ash. I had asthma as a child, and my lungs are still sensitive. Anyway, on to new news. My blood sugar has been behaving for the most part, until I fell last week and broke my tailbone. I slipped on the bathroom floor getting out of the shower. I did have a towel down so I wouldn't slip on the floor if it was wet, the problem was that I slipped on the towel. It has been pretty painful, especially trying to sit down and get up. Even bowel movements are painful. I've had a Fibromyalgia flare since then because of the fall. I am trying to ramp up in my knitting efforts to find the perfect hat for my brother that he wants me to knit him for Christmas. Sorry this is a quick update, but sitting for periods of time hurts quite a bit. I was answering email from my bed on my stomach, but I can't do that for long either.

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/10/broken_tailbone.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/10/broken_tailbone.html Thu, 14 Oct 2004 13:17:13 -0800 Mt St Helens Eruption I'm sorry I haven't added anything new. Honestly, not much has changed. I am, however, in the midst of an active volcano. Mt. St. Helens, as I'm sure you all know, is waking up. We are at an alert level 2 out of 3. There is a 70% chance (according to scientists) that she will erupt. Where I am at will probably see some ash, if there is debris it will be small, and certainly no lava unless it is catastrophic, which it is thought to be a small to moderate eruption. Read the updates here.

Heather

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/mt_st_helens_eruption.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/mt_st_helens_eruption.html Thu, 30 Sep 2004 15:22:02 -0800 Myofascial Pain Syndrome Judy,

I do take Flexeril for moderate muscle spasms, but I take Baclofen everyday to keep the muscles in line. I also have some Zanaflex on hand for severe muscle spasms, but I rarely take that. I usually only need muscle relaxers, not ususally pain meds. This time, I did need pain meds. I hate when Myofascial Pain Syndrome gets involved, it turns my muscles to concrete. Locked in a death grip and boy do I hurt. Rarely do I get ones like these, where my neck is so stiff that I can't even move. I'm doing heat and pills, baby! My sugars are still doing very well, but I'm still not on a new kidney med yet. I also count carbs, but I have other insulins that I take other than just fast acting ones. Novolog is a fast acting, Novolin is slower. Right now I'm on R and N. N is a slow acting insulin, and R is a fast acting one. I was on 70/30 (70% slow and 30% fast) but I find that good ole R and N is more cost effective. I went to a chriopractor about 10 years ago and he put my neck in traction after a car accident. Scarred me for life. I was in worse shape coming out of there than I was going in. I guess I can try another one once we get insurance, because I've learned how to manipulate myself pretty well, but the lumbar region is too hard to get to. Sometimes when I'm really hurting if I can get the muscle to let go, then I can pop everything back where it goes, then I'm just dandy! Last couple of days I've just been trying to get as much sleep as possible, that always helps.

A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.
~Dutch Proverb

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/myofascial_pain_syndrome.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/myofascial_pain_syndrome.html Wed, 22 Sep 2004 01:57:15 -0800 Pain in the Neck My blood sugars are doing very well, and staying under control. My Fibromyalgia is acting up right now, probably because of the weather change. It is very rainy right now, and my neck is just so sore. When my neck muscles are not hard as a rock, the pain is less, but when the muscles get in to it too....then we're having a party. I don't have any kind of pain medicine stronger than ibuprofen, and usually it works well. It hasn't this time. I do have muscle relaxers, and one I use every day that is a very mild one that doesn't make me sleepy. That sure helps.

Give me where to stand, and I will move the earth.
~Archimedes

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/pain_in_the_neck.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/pain_in_the_neck.html Sat, 18 Sep 2004 13:28:30 -0800 Lisinopril Side Effects Judy,

Mothering is allowed :)

I had an allergic reaction (anaphalaxis and hives) to the lisinopril, that is why the doc told me to stop it. We will find another kidney med, but we haven't yet.

My neck has been bothering me today. I woke up with quite a spasm, and still it feels like concrete. I wish I could get a trigger point injection.

Otherwise, things have been quiet. I'm enjoying not having a whole lot (health-wise) to deal with right now. My blood sugar is behaving quite nicely. I've been having some kidney pain, but the doc said they might complain from time to time.

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/lisinopril_side_effects.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/lisinopril_side_effects.html Wed, 15 Sep 2004 15:36:47 -0800 Normal Blood Sugar Levels I've finally gotten rid of the medication in my system, and I'm feeling better. I was pretty sick for awhile there. My blood sugars have been pretty stable the last couple of days, for the most part. All in all, I feel pretty good.

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/normal_blood_sugar_levels.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/normal_blood_sugar_levels.html Wed, 15 Sep 2004 01:59:18 -0800 Benadryl and Anaphylaxis Still having problems with allergic reactions with anaphylaxis. It has lessened quite a bit. I have to take Benadryl for a little longer, but will be back to posting regularly once I stop itching .

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/benadryl_and_anaphylaxis.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/benadryl_and_anaphylaxis.html Mon, 13 Sep 2004 18:10:28 -0800 Kidney Dialysis The new meds I was started on aren't working like I hoped they would. I had an allergic reaction, so now I start them all one at a time to find out which one I am allergic to. I have my last dialysis treatment today since my kidneys are holding their own right now. I'll try to be back to writing a post a day, but the new meds are making me feel very ill. I'll write later when I can.

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/kidney_dialysis.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/kidney_dialysis.html Thu, 09 Sep 2004 07:43:14 -0800 Side Effects to Kidney Medication I saw my new doctor today, and she switched my meds all around. I started the meds for my kidneys. I'm having some less than fun side effects already, but hopefully I'll get used to them.

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/side_effects_to_kidney_medication.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/side_effects_to_kidney_medication.html Tue, 07 Sep 2004 15:06:05 -0800 If it's supposed to be a bowl of cherries.... ......how come it feels like the pits???


I have been having some pain in my back, I thought it might be fibromyalgia. It wasn't. I have early stage kidney failure. Have you ever felt like it was your worst day, and nothing could possibly get any worse? Then it does? I really dislike going to the doctor lately. Seems like there is always something new. They haven't decided on what to do yet about the kidney failure. I guess it is very early, so I may be able to eek by with drugs.

Things feel very overwhelming lately. I research so many medical problems that I don't feel human anymore. I feel like a walking medical problem. I just wish I could rent a normal body for an hour. Is an hour too much to ask? I feel permanently attached to my glucose meter and syringes. Sometimes I have to take insulin in a public place, and I'm sure they're wondering what I'm injecting. I am really getting tired of people telling me about this new miracle cure that if you lose weight you never have to use insulin again! Yes, some people can decrease or even stop insulin usage if they lose weight. They are all type 2, meaning their bodies still produce insulin, but it doesn't use it efficiently. They can help their bodies use it better. I am type one. My body does not make insulin. I understand these people are trying to help, but I hear this all the time.

The 31st was my brother's birthday. He's 19 and has life completely figured out. (insert sarcasm here) He's also smoking marijuana. I understand that experimentation will happen, but he has a really good thing going there. It is still an extremely disfunctional household, but my mother has bought him a car and is paying for his college. I sure hope he doesn't blow it, but he says I'm too old to understand. I'm only 7 years older than him....he makes me sound ancient! I know he won't listen to me anyway, but I just worry for him.

Lots of things in my family are about to drive me insane. I'm still unpacking, I have kitchen things all over the living room floor. The only reason I know I'm not insane is because I'm not having any fun!

Part of being sane, is being a little bit crazy.
~Janet Long

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/if_its_supposed_to_be_a_bowl_of_cherries.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/09/if_its_supposed_to_be_a_bowl_of_cherries.html Thu, 02 Sep 2004 02:25:56 -0800 Dream I can't go back to sleep. I was dreaming that my husband and I were on two different sides of a boat, sailing the seas. I think there were portholes in the back, where I was. Somehow the boat was split in two, but still watertight. My half was sailing smoothly for a little bit, but then I felt a falling sensation and looked out the porthole. I was going off of niagra falls. There was a lead anchor attached to the boat. When I hit the water, I was going very fast towards the bottom. The boat was collapsing around me, and I couldn't breathe. I was still sinking to the bottom, and the boat was so collapsed that it encased me. I was gasping for air. I awoke, and realized that I really wasn't breathing. I can't sleep now. I just had to lie there for a minute and breathe. I think part of me is scared to go back to sleep for fear of waking up not breathing again. This only happened one other time, but it was much scarier. I woke up gasping. It took me a minute to catch my breath. I couldn't sleep for a few nights after that one. Well, I hope at least there is a good movie on now.

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/08/dream.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/08/dream.html Tue, 31 Aug 2004 02:44:59 -0800 Rough time I haven't posted like I usually do...I've been dealing with some things. I need to get them out. I went to my mother's house to return a book. She asked me to stay for dinner. She wanted me to see a movie with her and my abuser. It was okay at first, but then the movie became very sexual. My Mother has no idea what it is like to watch that with my abuser. Thankfully he got up and left the room, but the damage had been done. I've been having a hard time since then, and my body knows it. Stress increases my blood sugar, which increases infection. Just having a hard time right now.

]]> http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/08/rough_time.html http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia/eternalstruggle/archives/2004/08/rough_time.html Mon, 30 Aug 2004 16:24:11 -0800